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I’m going to share some common thoughts about remodeling here. You think about some one-word adjectives and see if we’re on the same page. Scary. Over-budget. Scary. Long. Headache. Scary. Dusty. Frustrating. Did I mention scary?
But what would you say if I told you remodeling could be fun? Crazy? Wait! Please hear me out.
…continue reading Fun in remodeling »
A client has recently asked us to design an outdoor hot tub for their patio, but with a unique request. They want it to automatically open and close. We suggested the possibility of a cover that lifts over the in-ground tub, and they were curious about that concept.
Hence, we reviewed the needs and created a 3D model of the concept of how it could work. Then, I created this video. There may be other concepts coming. We’ll see how it turns out! Watch the video and let me know what do you think of this concept?
Yes, it has been a while since I’ve updated you on the Remodeling with ease series. There are several reasons for this, including two major holidays since the last update, but most importantly, the clients’ personality. To be clear, I hold no ill toward them, and have no frustration with them at all!
In the world of fast paced, 140 character updates, personal space and lines being misunderstood, etc., it would be easy to get frustrated with someone who takes their time. “But I want to update my blog…I need more content!” Hold on just one moment-this is the very purpose of this series! In our business model, our personal needs must take back seat to our clients’ needs – no, not even 2nd place. We call it the “ego-ectomy”. This is a very painful and gory procedure, but not a story for now. These clients’ “buy-cycle” is slower than others. That’s not wrong or bad, it’s just the way it is. And since we’re talking about “remodeling with ease“ then we need to make this easy for the clients, not us.
The “Design/Build” jargon is a fashionable one lately. People are starting to recognize benefit and value to the process. Contractors are learning what it is, and how it helps both them and their clients in the remodeling world. But, definitions are still a moving target and practices are quite different.
Ultimately, homeowners are purchasing the project, and thus, it is my belief, that the clients should be the ones making the choices and decisions. How many times, though, do we see homeowners that have a difficult time making decisions? I’ve heard the stories from both homeowners and contractors that decisions about such a large project in their lives can be very difficult to conclude!
…continue reading How can homeowners make comfortable remodeling decisions? »
All businesses have a business model – whether they realize it or not. Yes, that means some business models are not fully intentional. I must admit, creating a business model can be difficult, but it is important. It takes creativity, forethought, insight, and a lot of pure blood, sweat, and tears to create a business model.
The answer depends on whether you are a business person or a customer, but it is important to both.
…continue reading Is your model important? »
This question is important to ask for many reasons, and it plays an important role in our business for two reasons.
Most importantly, we ask this question of our clients since we are working to design something that fits them, and meets them in their taste. This makes it hard, since each project is unique, to share a portfolio of projects. Experience has taught us that what fit the last client most likely will not fit you. It hasn’t happened yet! So our goal is to learn about our client, in their home habits, circumstance, and needs.
…continue reading What’s unique about you? »
A recent article in the Residential Design + Build magazine piqued my interest. The author states throughout the article, and in the title, that architects/designers should lead design/build projects. Mr. Jauregui makes many great points about the fallacies of the design-then-bid-then-build model, and I refer you to the article to read more about that. He also outlines many of the advantages of the design/build model that I have mentioned as well.
However, to state empirically that the designer/architect should always take the lead on projects doesn’t add up to me. My experience shows that clients do benefit greatly when the builder takes the lead.
Am I slamming architects/designers?
…continue reading Taking the lead: builder or designer? »
Continuing our series following a real-life remodeling project, we come to the point where the design had been vetted by two contractors, and, as we might expect, the project was more than the homeowners had previously stated they wanted to spend.
I’ve been reading more articles, and hearing more advice about where a remodeling project should start. Specifically, these advisors are speaking of the first meeting between a contractor and a homeowner. There are many lamentations throughout the industry that there is not enough time to get to know the client and talk about design during the first meeting. Advice has been given to use that two-hour meeting to talk much about the past projects the contractor has finished or show the client all sorts of financial figures that show them that they can afford the project.
Continuing to follow the remodeling process with this real-life remodeling project, we have moved into the design phase of the program. Our homeowners have noticed that their home feels a bit dis-jointed and they need some more space. Two other items appear on their wish list: a two-car garage, and a master suite.
Our goal is to give these homeowners a project that they are comfortable about buying, in a process that reduces their headaches. It isn’t hard, just must be planned and anticipated. We must remember that this is not our home, and while we do our best to provide a well-designed project and give professional advice when needed, we don’t live there, nor ever will. Therefore, it is completely up to the client to make the final decision.
Using the field measurements, digital pictures and Google Maps street view, an accurate 3D model was made of the entire house. Even as we continued the design, there were some questions about the roof geometry. We were able to pull up the Google Maps street view and verify that the angles looked to be very similar. The husband is a technical type, and enjoys the technology and accuracy features of this process. It is gratifying, and very typical, to be able to show the homeowner that the measurements and numbers line up with reality.